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Easy Pancake Poppers
Easy Pancake Poppers are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pancakes, offering bite-sized treats that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking. With minimal prep time and versatile ingredients, these poppers can be customized to suit your preferences.
Let’s take a look at the simple ingredients needed to whip up these delightful pancake poppers.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, providing structure to these pancake bites.
- Baking powder: Helps the poppers rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the batter and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the poppers without being overwhelming.
- Milk: Makes the batter smooth and adds moisture to the poppers.
- Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the batter together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the poppers.
- Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and a rich, buttery flavor to the pancake poppers.
- Egg white: Beaten to stiff peaks, it adds lightness to the batter, making the poppers airy and fluffy.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For a sweet surprise inside the poppers, mini chocolate chips can be folded into the batter.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a mini muffin pan or cake pop pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will ensure the pancake poppers bake evenly and come out easily.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. These dry ingredients will provide the base structure and flavor for your pancake poppers.
- Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Slowly add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy, which is fine.
- Step 4: Beat the Egg White
- In a separate small bowl, beat 1 large egg white until stiff peaks form. This step will add airiness and fluffiness to the pancake poppers. Gently fold the beaten egg white into the pancake batter, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
- If you’d like to add a touch of sweetness, fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter. This step is optional, but it adds a delicious surprise in every bite!
- Step 6: Fill the Pan
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, fill each cup of the mini muffin or cake pop pan nearly to the top with the batter. This will help create round, fluffy poppers that bake evenly.
- Step 7: Bake the Poppers
- Bake for about 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the poppers comes out clean. The tops should be slightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, immediately flip the pancake poppers out onto a wire cooling rack. Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Easy Pancake Poppers warm with a side of maple syrup for dipping, or dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. These poppers are also great with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for added flavor and color. You can even drizzle them with a bit of honey or chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
- Breakfast or Snack: These poppers are versatile and can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast on the go or as a fun snack throughout the day. They’re also perfect for brunch gatherings, where guests can customize their toppings or mix-ins.
- Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, store the poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving to enjoy them warm again.
- Freezing Option: You can freeze the pancake poppers for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-45 seconds or bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- Customizable Mix-ins: While mini chocolate chips are a fun addition, you can easily swap them out for other mix-ins like blueberries, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. This allows you to personalize the poppers to your taste or dietary preferences.
- Flour Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful pancake bites.
- Egg-Free Option: If you need to make these poppers egg-free, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a replacement. The texture will remain soft and fluffy.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Jamie Oliver: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of syrup or fruit.
- Nigella Lawson: Serve these poppers with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a lighter, more refined take on this fun recipe.
- Alton Brown: For the best texture, be careful not to overmix the batter. The goal is to incorporate the ingredients just enough to avoid tough poppers.